Medicare for the Record Podcast
What's changing with Medicare Advantage plans in 2027
September 29, 2026
Medicare Advantage is always in the news. If you’ve seen headlines about Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage, prior authorizations, and provider networks, you may be wondering what it all means for you. Each year, there are challenges that affect Medicare—and 2027 is shaping up to bring significant industrywide changes.
What you’ll learn:
In this episode, hosts Stacy Smith and Patrice King Brown are joined by Emily Saunders, senior director of Medicare operations performance management at UPMC Health Plan, to break down some of the important things Medicare beneficiaries should know before choosing a plan for 2027 and explain how to make informed decisions during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Related to this Episode:
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Guest Speaker
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Emily Saunders
Senior Director, Medicare Operations Performance Management
Emily Saunders is the Senior Director of Medicare Performance Management at UPMC Health Plan, where she leads initiatives focused on Medicare Advantage product performance and operational excellence that improve outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. Emily is a Western Pennsylvania native who has dedicated her career to service Medicare beneficiaries throughout the region. With more than 15 years of experience at UPMC Health Plan, her focus is on Medicare Advantage operations, strategy, and product performance. She is passionate about helping members navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment and make informed decisions about their coverage.